Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB) achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing improvement program with the completion of runway resurfacing last month. The upgrade has resulted in a regrooved surface that now features new lighting and an improved runway visual range on the Runway 3 approach.
According to the privately-owned airport, which is entirely dedicated to business aviation operations, the £20 million ($27 million) investment has removed operational restrictions in wet weather conditions. Bombardier and Gulfstream have both made changes to standard operating procedures to reflect the new levels of safety. Notably, the resurfacing used a bio-bitumen asphalt binder made from renewable materials.
The investment has substantiated Biggin Hill’s commitment to corporate operators complaining that the airport infrastructure was not adequate. Other improvements include the 24/7 availability of Metar weather data, which gives transatlantic operators in particular a higher degree of certainty about using the airport because they can be sure of weather conditions on arrival.
One regular customer commutes from New York City to London’s financial district, landing every Monday morning at 6:40 a.m. He takes the first available helicopter shuttle service, operated by Castle Air, at 7 a.m. and is at his desk by 7:30 a.m. The client makes the same trip in reverse every Thursday evening, taking off for the westbound flight at 10:30 p.m. each week.
According to Biggin Hill’s marketing team, its landing fees and other service charges are significantly lower than those of some alternative airports in and around the UK capital. For instance, they quoted a £200 landing fee for a Pilatus PC-12 turboprop, saying that this is a third of what Farnborough Airport charges.
In recent years, Biggin Hill has resolutely concentrated on serving business aviation, with flight school activity curtailed. When it managed to extend operating hours after a lengthy consultation with local authorities, the airport said it grew its share of the London market from around 12% to 23%.
In 2026, Bombardier expects to open a new aircraft painting facility, which will be the latest addition to its service center in London. The aircraft manufacturer is a major employer at Biggin Hill and has been closely involved in the airport’s efforts to recruit a new generation of skilled workers, including a recent internship program arranged by the Air Charter Association. In early September each year, Biggin Hill hosts the Air Charter Expo, which is organized by the charter industry group.

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Runway Upgrade Is Latest Improvement at London Biggin Hill Airport

New landing surface, lights, and 24/7 METAR have given operators more confidence

Privately-owned London Biggin Hill Airport has invested to give business aircraft operators greater confidence to plan flights, including a resurfaced runway.

Runway Upgrade Is Latest Improvement at Biggin Hill

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